HOWLAND — The Board of Education on Monday approved entering into a feasibility study contract with Cramer and Associates Inc. of Dublin at no cost to the district.

Superintendent Kevin Spicher said the study will determine if a fine and performing arts center on the east side of the Howland High School property would be feasible. He said donations from outside groups, school alumni and residents are providing funds for the study.

“All costs will be 100% covered by donations,” Spicher said.

At Monday’s meeting, the board accepted a donation of $16,250 from Carter Lewis for half of the study’s cost. Spicher said renderings of such a center have been looked at, but the study will recommend the size and scope of the project.

Officials said as part of the study, interviews of the board and administrators will be done in November.

In 2022, plans were discussed for such a multipurpose center that could have an auditorium to seat 800 and be attached to the area of the high school gym. Spicher has said the area being discussed for the center is a field between the back of the building and the bus garage. It would have access to both school parking lots with separate doors from the gymnasium and could be closed off from the rest of the building by a gate when necessary.

Architects with Baker, Bednar and Associates in 2022 said the auditorium would have a sloped lower seating level and an upper seating level with six-inch riser stairs, as well as multiple locations for wheelchairs.

The facility also would have a lobby where small performances or student art shows could be presented. A small outdoor stage might be used primarily by students for impromptu or unprogrammed performances.

While the final estimate for the project is not solidified, Spicher said in 2022, on the high end, the center could cost $14 million.

The district has been without a large performing arts space since the demolition of its former auditorium in the early 1990s.

In other business, the board is reviewing policy on the use of school facilities by nonprofit and for-profit groups.

Board member Ken Jones said he is not in favor of any for-profit groups using the public facilities. He said nonprofit groups also need to be vetted before approval.

Jones said there are local churches such as Howland Community Church and North Mar Church that have gymnasiums available for rent by basketball leagues and other sporting groups.

Spicher said if the schools do allow groups to use the school facilities for events or sporting activities, he will compare what other school districts charge for the usage.

The board also:

•  Accepted the retirement resignation of Elizabeth Olszewski, support services secretary, effective March 31, 2025. She has been with the distinct since 1996.

•   Approved Carol Robison from secretary to the intermediate school principal to secretary to the superintendent effective Jan. 1.

•   Approved Megan Pirigyi as nurse assistant at the middle school, effective Oct. 9.